Watzke: Gotze will need to explain himself

Hans-Joachim Watzke has not ruled out the possibility of bringing Mario Gotze back to Borussia Dortmund, but feels the midfielder may have to appease the fans if he does.

The 23-year-old World Cup winner has struggled for game-time of late. Problems with fitness and form have resulted in a poor season under FC Bayern München coach Pep Guardiola, scoring only once in nine Bundesliga starts.

The imminent departure of Guardiola and the subsequent possibility that Gotze might find favour under his replacement, Carlo Ancelotti, has done little to quell rumours over the player's departure from the club.

Dortmund supporters were furious when Gotze signed for the Bavarians three years ago and their anger has not subsided. After being linked with his former club earlier this month, Dortmund fans unveiled a banner reading "Milan or Madrid – Just not Dortmund. P*** off Gotze".

"If he's on the market, it's clear if we discuss about him," Watzke told AUDI-Star-Talk. "The door is always open for every player who comes from Dortmund.

"If he returns we have to talk with the fans and he has to explain how he left for Bayern. But I don't think that they won't give him a second chance."